The Very Berry Waffle ($ 9.95) is topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries, along with powdered sugar, whipped butter, and hot syrup. (Karen Chaney / Community Impact Journal)
McKinney is home to restaurants that serve both classic and unique flavors. Here is an overview of 11 local restaurants presented by Community impact journal in 2021.
Layered offers breakfast, lunch and family ties at McKinney
Guests enjoy a decadent breakfast and brunch, sweet potato pancakes and Belgian banana waffles at what owner Nir Sela has called “McKinney’s best coffee.”
Blue Goose Cantina in McKinney enjoys a family environment
This family-owned business has several locations in the area, including one in McKinney which opened in 2013. The restaurant’s general manager said it is known for its strong margaritas and Tex Mex cuisine.
Score drinks, meals and digital activities at Arcade 92
Arcade 92 culminates the business owner’s obsession with an interactive gathering place. While the arcade-bar-restaurant combination is tailor-made for adults, the venue has welcomed gamers of all ages since it opened on Black Friday of 2019.
Petra, mainstay of Mexican cuisine, brings family and McKinney community together
Authentically prepared Mexican dishes with strong spices as well as a full-service bar are in store for those visiting Petra.
JC’s Burger House in McKinney serves fresh burgers daily
All of their burgers are hand-wrapped and prepared daily using a USDA’s choice chuck, owner Bill Oglesby said.
Guitars & Growlers encourages the community through craft beer, music
Guitars & Growlers opened its first location in Richardson in 2017. Both locations serve local craft beer, ciders and root beer on tap, in addition to an extensive menu with items named after well-known musicians.
McKinney’s Hydeout Cafe owner honors the past while looking to the future
Owner Arsim Ibishi said what brings his customers back is the quality of the food and the customer service.
“Wherever you go, let’s face it, an egg is an egg, a burger is a burger. It’s the way you present the egg or the burger to the customer that makes the difference, ”he said.
El Mejor Mexican Kitchen + Cantina serves a wide menu to the downtown crowd
An expanded food and drink menu as well as renovations at El Mejor Mexican Kitchen + Cantina have excited the team for the future, said general manager Marques Jeudy.
McKinney’s Grind Burger offers eclectic food and drink
Jake Clouden, Managing Director of Grind Burger Bar, has worked in the restaurant industry for 11 years, gaining experience in everything from taco bars to fine dining. He credits the success of Grind, which opened in fall 2018, to members of the kitchen team for their quality and consistency.
The Guava Tree Cuban Cafe & Cantina transforms from a food truck model to a restaurant
In addition to the guava in most Guava Tree sauces, the staff also serve guava glazed bacon and a guava and cream cheese puff pastry which are all made by Onel Perez on site.
End Zone Bar & Grill offers a relaxed atmosphere
The menu and recipes were created by Rachel Bradley and feature traditional bar fare prepared in their scratch-off kitchens. Popular foods are wings, burgers, and sandwiches.
